A HIDDEN historic gem has been opened up to locals and tourists with the launch of a new tearoom, which has created eight part-time jobs.

Grays Court, situated just inside York’s famous walls, near Monk Bar, dates back to 1080, and was commissioned by Thomas of Bayeux, the first Norman Archbishop of York.

The earliest Minster treasurers lived there, using it to entertain visiting royal, state and church notables.

After the Reformation, it was owned briefly by Edward Seymour, the brother of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s third queen.

The Grade I-listed building, was sold by the Dean and Chapter in 2005 to Helen Heraty and John Edwards who have carried out restoration works.

Mrs Heraty said people walking the walls had previously been unaware of the existence of Gray’s Court, but they now had direct access to the garden and property down the only private flight of steps to lead off the walls.

“People are really interested,” she said.